At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with VAT returns, reconciliations, and support audits in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Join the Finance team at Torbay Council, where ambition meets opportunity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured training, and clear career progression in public sector finance.
- Other info: Great chance to develop expertise in VAT within a complex public sector setting.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: A-level education and some experience in finance or accountancy required.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 34434 £ per year.
There has never been a better time to join our Finance team at Torbay Council. We have a real momentum building with a shared sense of purpose and ambition. An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Corporate Finance service team for an Assistant Accountant - VAT. This is a varied and engaging role offering exposure to a wide range of technical VAT responsibilities within a local authority environment.
Responsibilities include:
- Preparation and submission of monthly VAT returns.
- Assisting with reconciliations between VAT ledger accounts and HMRC reclaim totals.
- Responding to routine VAT coding and treatment queries from finance colleagues and service areas.
- Supporting the preparation of schedules and evidence for internal and external audit, including HMRC information requests.
- Assisting with the maintenance and update of VAT policy documents and procedure notes.
- Contributing to the effective management of daily cashflow activities.
This role sits within a highly specialist and technical area of finance (VAT), providing an excellent opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge of VAT legislation and its application within a complex public sector setting. You will join a supportive and experienced team, with access to structured training, on-the-job learning, and opportunities for professional study. As part of this role, you will be supported to build your expertise and progress within this specialist field, with a clear pathway towards more senior VAT roles. This makes the role an ideal opportunity for someone looking to establish and grow a career in a technical area of public sector finance.
Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 22nd June 2026. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Skills Essential:
- Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently, using own initiative and as part of a team.
- Ability to undertake a diverse workload and produce desired outcomes with deadlines, working with conflicting demands and priorities to meet deadlines.
- A flexible and adaptable communication style and able to communicate to a wider range of audiences.
- To be willing to learn and develop new skills.
- A high level of numeracy, literacy and IT skills.
Knowledge Essential:
- Basic knowledge and understanding of accounting standards.
- Basic knowledge and understanding of closing annual accounts.
- Basic knowledge and understanding of bookkeeping of financial records.
- Basic knowledge and understanding of costing, cashflow management and forecasting.
Experience & Qualifications Essential:
- Educated to A level standard or equivalent.
- Experience of working within a financial/accountancy environment.
- Experience of working with information technology-based systems and PC based software.
Assistant Accountant - 37 Hours in Torquay employer: Torbay Council
Torbay Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With a focus on collaboration and community impact, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with complex care needs. Located in the picturesque Torbay area, the council provides a unique environment that fosters both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant - 37 Hours in Torquay
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work at Torbay Council or similar organisations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on VAT legislation and accounting standards. We recommend creating a cheat sheet of key points to discuss, so you can impress the interviewers with your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! During the interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled financial challenges in the past. This will help demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant - 37 Hours in Torquay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Accountant role. Highlight your relevant experience in finance, especially anything related to VAT or accounting standards. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our Finance team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your effective interpersonal skills and ability to manage diverse workloads. We’re looking for someone who can juggle tasks and communicate well with the team, so give us examples of how you've done this before!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to follow the application process step-by-step. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Torbay Council
✨Know Your VAT Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of VAT legislation and its application, especially in a public sector context. Being able to discuss specific VAT responsibilities and how they relate to the role will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since effective communication is key in this role, think of examples where you've successfully worked in a team or resolved conflicts. Be ready to share how you can adapt your communication style to different audiences, as this will demonstrate your flexibility.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare to discuss how you've managed conflicting demands and tight deadlines in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to prioritise tasks and produce desired outcomes, which is crucial for the Assistant Accountant position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team's dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
